Bourbon Honey Butter Recipe — Sweet Compound Butter for Toast and Corn

Made with only three simple ingredients, this sweet and ultra-delicious Bourbon Honey Butter comes together in minutes. A small pat on waffles, cornbread, biscuits, or even steak and roasted vegetables instantly elevates the dish.

ramekin filled with whipped honey butter

Bourbon Honey Butter Recipe

Flavored butters at the store can be expensive, so making your own is both economical and fun. You can experiment with many combinations — cinnamon honey butter, herb butter, or this bourbon honey butter are all easy and delicious.

This recipe uses just bourbon, honey, and butter. The salty butter balances the honey’s sweetness while the bourbon adds caramel-like depth without overwhelming the flavor.

Whipped until light and creamy, this butter spreads easily and makes a beautiful addition to brunch or dinner—watch it disappear when you serve it to guests.

Ingredients Needed

As the name suggests, you’ll need bourbon, honey, and butter.
(See the recipe card below for exact measurements.)

  • Salted butter – Use room-temperature butter for smooth, even whipping. If you prefer unsalted butter, add salt to taste.
  • Honey – Choose a good-quality honey for best flavor; clover or a similarly full-flavored honey works well.
  • Bourbon – A small amount adds complexity without a strong boozy taste. Use a brand you enjoy drinking.
honey drizzled onto whipped butter

How to Make Bourbon Honey Butter

This whipped honey butter is quick and easy — only two main steps:

  1. Beat the butter. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy.
  2. Add honey and bourbon. Mix in the honey and bourbon, scraping down the bowl as needed, and continue beating until fully combined and creamy.
  3. Serve. Transfer the butter to a ramekin or jar and serve immediately, or store for later.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure the best texture and flavor.

  • Salted vs. unsalted – Salt enhances flavor. If using unsalted butter, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt gradually to taste.
  • Softened butter – Allow butter to come to room temperature before whipping for a light, fluffy result.
  • Adjust sweetness – If you’re unsure about sweetness, add honey a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired balance.
overhead ramekin of butter with butter knife

Serving Suggestions

Bourbon honey butter pairs beautifully with many dishes. Some favorites include:

  • Popovers
  • Croffles
  • Buttermilk biscuits
  • Skillet cornbread
  • Roasted acorn squash
  • Steak

Proper Storage

You can store the butter in a covered ramekin or butter dish on the counter for a couple of days if kept out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; bring it to room temperature before serving. For extended storage, freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and then allow to reach room temperature before using.

Recipe

Bourbon Honey Butter

Prep: 5 mins | Total: 5 mins | Servings: 16 (1 tablespoon each, 1/2 cup total)

whipped Bourbon Honey Butter in ramekin

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons bourbon

Instructions

  1. Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the honey and bourbon, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
  3. Spoon into a ramekin or jar. Use immediately or store for later.

Notes

Salted or unsalted butter: Either works. If you choose unsalted, add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon coarse salt to taste.

Adjust sweetness: Add honey gradually if you prefer to control sweetness precisely.

Bourbon: A small amount adds depth without strong alcohol flavor—use a bourbon you enjoy.

Storage: Store covered at room temperature for a short time, refrigerate up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 60 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2 g | Protein: 0.1 g | Fat: 6 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Sugar: 2 g

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary with different ingredients or changes to the recipe.

More Condiment Recipes

  • Red Pepper Jelly
  • Bacon Jam
  • Lemon Curd
  • Olive Spread

I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious recipe—please leave a review if you try it.